MISSION

SOST are specialized surgical teams which provide four unique medical capabilities:

• Advanced trauma resuscitation

• Tactical damage control surgery

• Post-op critical care

• Critical care evacuation

They are fully trained and equipped to operate within austere environments utilizing "man-pack mobile" capabilities. These surgical teams are capable to quickly respond and support operations aboard SOF aircraft and/or other opportune air, land or sea platforms.

The team members carry specialized equipment and gear designed to support a wide spectrum of operations and mission sets that can occur within various threat environments, remote locations, light conditions, and weather. These teams function far-forward and independent of any established healthcare support systems or facilities. This enables SOST to function as a highly tailorable, mission-modular capability with a smaller footprint than conventional surgical assets.

The team members of SOST train to support Special Operations Forces around the world. They are based at the 24th Special Operations Wing within the 720th Special Tactics Group. SOST deploys as a six-member team composed of emergency physician, general surgeon, nurse anesthetist, critical care nurse, surgical technician, and respiratory therapist.

OPERATIONAL BASING

The team members of SOST train to support Special Operations Forces around the world. They are based at the 24th Special Operations Wing within the 720th Special Tactics Group.

SOST deploys as a six-member team composed of:

• Emergency physician

• General surgeon

• Nurse anesthetist

• Critical care nurse

• Surgical technician

• Respiratory therapist

CAREER FIELD ELIGIBILITY

SOST requires high levels of teamwork, physical fitness, mental agility, professionalism, leadership, interpersonal skills, initiative, psychological stability, motivation, critical thinking skill sets, and technical competency. Additional eligibility criteria are below:

• Officer candidates: Grades of O-3 to O-4 (+/-1 may be considered on a case by case basis)

• Enlisted candidates: Minimum grade of E-5 with 7-level qualifications (or able to attain within 6 months of
  selection). E-4 with a line number to E-5 will be considered on a case by case basis

• Hold a qualifying SOST AFSC/Skill level**: 44E3A, 45A3, 45S3, 46Y3M, 46N3E, 46N3J, 4H071, 4N171
  or sister service equivalent for officer positions only

• Security clearance: Secret (minimum), Top Secret eligible

• Sister service or civilian candidates: Must meet AF entry requirements prior to application submission

• Medical/Physical: Ability to complete a 9C/Operation Support Flyer Physical and submit DD Form 2992

• Physical Fitness: Candidates must have scored at least a 90% on their last AF Fitness Test

• Eligible to PCS within 12-24 months of selection

• Prior approval from officer career consultant or enlisted career field manager must be documented

• Must hold or be able to meet appropriate license and credentials for the states of Florida, Alabama, or Nevada

• ER physicians from both 3 and 4 year programs will be considered

• Medical Providers, when appropriate, must be at a minimum; board eligible

• Critical care nurses must have current ADP reflecting intent to join SOST

• Surgical Technicians with B/C/D shred outs will require approval from the Career Field Manager
  **Individuals may apply to SOST if they have either a primary or secondary AFSC that correlates to an approved AFSC. If your primary AFSC is not listed as an approved AFSC for SOST, but your secondary AFSC is, then the first step is to discuss with your leadership and determine if you are eligible to leave your current career field. If you are eligible, then an individual should have a discussion with appropriate leadership to determine if you would be able to meet AFSC requirements while assigned to SOST.

HISTORY

Originally conceived in late 2001 and operational since February 2003, SOST has been a high demand asset for the Air Force and United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

During the past eleven years, SOST has logged tens of thousands of deployed days while supporting hundreds of special operations forces (SOF) missions and contingency operations around the globe. In addition, team members have deployed on short notice to support combat or humanitarian missions worldwide.

TRAINING

Becoming a Special Operations Surgical Team member is no easy task. Candidates are evaluated during a rigorous week-long selection process.

SOST individuals must demonstrate teamwork, critical thinking, high stress tolerance, effective communication, sound situational awareness and leadership traits.

If selected, new team members go through 10 months of specialized training before deploying on their first operational mission. The training includes a number of survival, evasion, resistance and escape courses, advanced operational medical training, and several months of demanding SOF specific operational and tactical training.

Finally, they participate in full mission exercises with Special Tactics and other SOF units from the other military branches.